Perimeter Drainage to Protect Urban Lands

Abstract

Perimeter drainage is a challenging, heretofore little-used approach for proving drainage protection to urban lands. Essential in its concept is consideration of alternative uses of existing natural water courses, especially where such water courses traverse the more desirable portions of urban lands. By using man-made waterways to supplement, alter, or entirely eliminate the existing natural drainage pattern, perimeter drainage affords a means of providing adequate protection to urban lands, while preserving and enhancing their economic and aesthetic values. Successful experience in Hawaii suggests that perimeter drainage has considerable merit in urban planning and development and should be given more serious attention in well-planned urban lands.